West Virginia, the Mountain State, is known for its rugged mountains, deep valleys, and charming small towns with names that often reflect its rich history and geography. From simple names like "Sutton" and "Salem" to more descriptive ones, the state has a diverse collection of place names. But which West Virginia town holds the title for the longest name? The answer is a small community in the southern part of the state.
The Champion of Length: Barboursville
The incorporated village of Barboursville, located in Cabell County, is often cited as holding the distinction for the longest single-word name of any municipality in West Virginia, with 13 letters.
- History and Naming: Barboursville was laid out in 1813 and named in honor of James Barbour, who was the Governor of Virginia at the time (as West Virginia was still part of Virginia). It has a long history as a center of commerce for the surrounding agricultural and coal-producing areas.
- Location and Vibe: Situated near the Guyandotte River and close to the larger city of Huntington, Barboursville is a bustling village known today for its large shopping mall (the Huntington Mall, technically located in Barboursville), numerous restaurants, and community parks.
Other Long-Named Contenders:
While Barboursville takes the prize for a single, unhyphenated word, other communities and towns in West Virginia also have impressively long names:
- Mullensville: A small community in Wyoming County.
- Chapmanville: A town in Logan County.
- Philippi: The county seat of Barbour County, notable for being the site of the first land battle of the American Civil War.
While the title may be a fun piece of local trivia, it highlights the unique identities of communities across the state. Barboursville, with its 13-letter name, stands as the answer to the question of which West Virginia town has the longest single-word name. This historic village, named after a former governor, remains a vibrant hub in the Mountain State.
Sources:
- The West Virginia Encyclopedia
- West Virginia Division of Culture and History
- U.S. Census Bureau - Gazetteer Files
- Historical records and municipal histories of Barboursville and Cabell County
- West Virginia Tourism Office (GoToWV.com)
